Morning Coffee: I survived the first day of school

I knew my son would be fine, and that I would be the emotional one on the first day of kindergarten, and I was right. I shed a few tears, but not an embarrassing amount. But I have no idea how the last five years went by so quickly!

I am enjoying not having to think or worry about work. Even more than the time I spent at the office or working at home, I didn’t fully appreciate how much of my mental energy was tied up in organizing my life around my schedule. Last night, I couldn’t help thinking how nice it was not to rush to get dinner on the table an hour after I walked in the door.

It’s also very strange being able to hit the stores for deals every day if I want to. I don’t plan to do that, but it’s weird knowing that I could.

And if I were to go out, I would head to Target to grab some of the deals that Stretching a Buck has posted this week. Although what I really need is a stainless steel or BPA-free water bottle that I can send with my son every day – I barely remembered to buy him a lunch box, and this one just did not occur to me. But I’m running out of juice boxes that I’ve saved from a few restaurant kid’s meals!

Today’s Groupon deals include $40 worth of shoes and accessories for just $20 at ShoeBuy.com. You can pick Sioux Falls, Lincoln, or Memphis from the list of cities for this deal. Also, get $25 of tea for just $10 from Talbott Teas in New York (look to the right of the page for the deal nearby). These are both online deals that can be purchased by anyone regardless of where they live. (Via Mrs. Moneysaver.) Links via Logical Media

Download a free e-book on Gifts In a Jar Recipes & Ideas. I love that the author includes some money-saving tips, such as buying cellophane after Easter when it goes on clearance. (Via Money Saving Mom.)

Give Cottonelle a friend’s email address and you’ll get a coupon for a free tub of Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes by mail.

If your Walgreens gives you a hard time about stacking manufacturer’s coupons with IVC coupons from their monthly booklet, Wild for Wags points out that this week’s ad actually lists that combo for a deal.